Apparatus and method for storing items

ABSTRACT

A mountable item holder includes a rear sidewall which has a number of stabilizing features which, when the item holder is secured to an external vertical surface, stabilizes or otherwise prevent the item holder from “rocking” on the external vertical surface. The stabilizing feature may be embodied as a number of ribs defined in the rear sidewall of the item holder. A method of mounting an item holder to an external vertical mounting surface is also disclosed.

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/317,002 entitled “Apparatus and Method for Storing Items” filed on Sep. 4, 2001 by Gary L. Bell, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to item holders for storing household or office items.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Holders are utilized in both home and office environments to store otherwise loose items. For example, pencil holders have commonly been utilized to hold pencils, pens, and the like to prevent them from being scattered on a desktop surface or the like. Holders also have been utilized to hold common, everyday items such as recipe cards, floppy disks, paper clips, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one illustrative embodiment, there is provided an item holder which may be secured to a mounting structure.

[0005] According to a more specific illustrative embodiment, there is provided an item holder having a sidewall which has a number of stabilizing features associated therewith. When the item holder is secured to a mounting structure such as an external vertical surface, the stabilizing features stabilize or otherwise prevent the item holder from “rocking” on the outer surface of the mounting structure. In an exemplary implementation of this illustrative embodiment, the stabilizing features are provided as a number of ribs defined in the rear sidewall of the item holder. The ribs contact the outer surface of the mounting structure so as to stabilize the item holder on the mounting structure.

[0006] In a more specific illustrative embodiment, there is provided an item holder having a rear sidewall with a pair of stabilizing ribs defined therein. A mounting apparatus is secured to the rear sidewall at a location between the stabilizing ribs. When the item holder is secured to a mounting structure such as an external vertical surface by use of the mounting apparatus, the stabilizing ribs stabilize or otherwise prevent the item holder from “rocking” on the mounting structure.

[0007] In another illustrative embodiment, there is provided a method for securing an item holder to a mounting structure. The method includes the step of positioning a mounting apparatus between a pair of stabilizing ribs on the rear sidewall of the item holder. The method also includes the step of securing the item holder to an external vertical surface such that the stabilizing ribs contact the external vertical surface so as to stabilize the item holder.

[0008] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an item holder;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a side view of the item holder of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a front view of the item holder of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a top view of the item holder of FIG. 1; and

[0013]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the item holder secured to a mounting structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0014] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0015] The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for storing a number of household or office items. In regard to one illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, an item holder 10 is embodied as a one-piece receptacle having a number of sidewalls. In particular, the item holder 10 includes a front sidewall 12, a substantially flat rear sidewall 14, a right sidewall 16, a left sidewall 18, and a bottom wall 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 collectively define a receptacle having a storage chamber 22 for storing a number of household or office items such as pens, pencils, floppy disks, recipe cards, or any other item.

[0016] The item holder 10 may be constructed of any number of various materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the item holder 10 is constructed of molded plastic. In a more specific exemplary embodiment, the item holder 10 is constructed with plastic by use of injection molding techniques. Moreover, the item holder 10 may be dimensioned in any desirable arrangement. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the item holder 10 is dimensioned to be approximately 3.3″H×3.9″W×1.6″D.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the item holder has a stabilizing feature 24 associated therewith. The stabilizing feature 24 may be embodied as any one of a number of structures. In particular, as discussed below in greater detail, the stabilizing feature 24 may be embodied as any type or number of standoffs or protrusions extending outwardly from the rear sidewall 14. In the exemplary embodiment described herein, the stabilizing feature 24 is embodied as a pair of stabilizing ribs 26, 28 extending outwardly from the rear sidewall 14. Each of the ribs 26, 28 extends from a top portion 30 of the rear sidewall 14 to a bottom portion 32 of the rear sidewall 14. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the ribs 26, 28 are tapered slightly from the top portion 30 of the rear sidewall 14 to the bottom portion 32 of the rear sidewall 14.

[0018] The ribs 26, 28 are utilized to stabilize the item holder 10 when the item holder 10 is secured to an external vertical surface 34. What is meant herein by the term “external vertical surface” is a vertical surface of a structure which is external to, or otherwise not a part of, the components associated with an item holder assembly. For example, an external vertical surface may be a wall, a chalkboard, a side of a desk, a side of a computer housing, a front or side of a refrigerator, etcetera. Conversely, if, for example, a particular design of an item holder assembly includes a receptacle with a separate mounting bracket or base which is secured to a mounting surface, the surface of the mounting bracket or base to which the receptacle is secured would not be an “external vertical surface” within the meaning used herein since such a surface is part of a component of the item holder assembly (i.e., the bracket or base) and not a part of a structure that is external to the assembly.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the ribs 26, 28 cause an outer surface 36 of the rear sidewall 14 to be spaced apart from an outer surface 38 of the external vertical surface 34 so as to define a gap 40 therebetween. A mounting apparatus 42 is secured to a mounting area 44 of the outer surface 36 of the rear sidewall 14 so as to be positioned in the gap 40 when the item holder 10 is secured to the external vertical surface 34. As shown in FIG. 5, when secured to the external vertical surface 34, the stabilizing feature 24 (e.g., the ribs 26, 28) extends from the rear sidewall 14 by a distance that is substantially equal to the distance from the rear sidewall 14 that the mounting apparatus 42 extends thereby causing the stabilizing feature to contact the external vertical surface 34. It should be appreciated that the mounting area 44 may be raised a slight distance (e.g., 0.020″) in order to ease the locating and securing of the mounting apparatus 42 thereto.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting apparatus 42 is provided as a hook and loop assembly 50 having a pair of adhesive backed strips 46, 48. The adhesive backing of the strip 48 of hoop material is secured to the mounting area 44 of the rear sidewall 14, whereas the adhesive surface of the strip 46 of loop material is secured to the outer surface 38 of the external vertical surface 34. It should be appreciated that the position of the two strips 46, 48 may be swapped (i.e., the strip 48 of hoop material may be secured to the external vertical surface 34 with the strip 46 of loop material secured to the sidewall 14).

[0021] In any case, when the item holder 10 is advanced into contact with the external vertical surface 34, the strip 48 of hook material is intermeshed or otherwise engaged with the strip 46 of loop material thereby removably securing the item holder 10 to the external vertical surface 34. It should be appreciated that the item holder 10 may be readily removed from the external vertical surface 34 by simply separating the strips 46, 48 of hook and loop material.

[0022] It should also be appreciated that other types of mounting apparatus 42 may be utilized. For example, a single piece of double-sided adhesive may also be utilized to secure the item holder 10 to the external vertical surface 34. Moreover, an adhesive backed magnet may be used to secure the item holder to the external vertical surface 34. In such a case, one side of the magnet is adhesively secured to the rear side wall 14 of the item holder, thereby allowing the other side of the magnet to be magnetically secured to the external vertical surface 34. Use of a magnet is particularly useful for removably securing the item holder 10 to a metal surface, such as chalkboards, without leaving behind an adhesive residue on the metal surface subsequent to removal of the item holder 10.

[0023] As seen in FIG. 5, when the item holder 10 is secured to the external vertical surface 34 by use of the mounting apparatus 42, the mounting apparatus 42 is positioned within the gap 40 created by the ribs 26, 28. Since both the ribs 26, 28 contact the outer surface 38 of the external vertical surface 34, the item holder 10 is stabilized when secured to the external vertical surface 34. In particular, in the absence of the stabilizing ribs 26, 28, the item holder 10 would be free to “rock” or otherwise move relative to the external vertical surface 34 since the mounting apparatus 42 (e.g. the hook and loop assembly 50) would function somewhat as a fulcrum for allowing “rocking” or “pivoting” movement of the item holder 10. However, the use of the ribs 26, 28 prevents such rocking movement of the item holder 10.

[0024] It should be appreciated that the stabilizing feature 24 may be embodied as structures other than the ribs 26, 28. For example, the stabilizing feature 24 may be provided as a series of standoffs or protrusions extending outwardly from the rear of the item holder 10. The stabilizing feature 24 may also be provided as a ring or other structure which extends outwardly from a portion of the rear of the item holder 10. In short, the stabilizing feature 24 of the present disclosure may be provided as any protrusion or extension which extends from a surface of the item holder 10 and is utilized to set the item holder 10 apart from the surface to which it is to be secured in a manner which stabilizes the item holder.

[0025] In operation, the item holder 10 may be utilized to store a number of items. To do so, the mounting apparatus 42 is positioned or otherwise secured to the rear sidewall 14 of the item holder 10. Thereafter, the item holder 10 is advanced into contact with an external vertical surface 34 so that the mounting apparatus 42 engages or otherwise secures the item holder 10 to the mounting structure 34. Once secured in such a manner, the stabilizing feature 24 (i.e., the ribs 26, 28) prevents “rocking” motion or other movement of the item holder 10 relative to the external vertical surface 34.

[0026] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the item holder 10 is secured to the external vertical surface 34 in the following manner. The two pieces of hook and loop material (i.e., the strips 46, 48) are first intermeshed with one another. Thereafter, the protective film of the adhesive back of one of the strips 46, 48 is removed. The exposed adhesive surface is then pressed firmly against the mounting area 44 of the outer surface 36 of the rear sidewall 14. Once done, the protective film from the other strip 46, 48 of hook and loop material is removed thereby exposing the adhesive surface thereof. Once exposed, the item holder 10 is then advanced into contact with the external vertical surface 34 in a manner in which the adhesive surface is advanced into contact with the outer surface 38 of the external vertical surface 34. In doing so, the item holder 10 is removably secured to the external vertical surface 34.

[0027] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restricted in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0028] There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the item holder and associated method described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the item holder and associated method of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described, yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the item holder and associated method that incorporates one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A mountable item holder for storing a number of office or household items, comprising: a molded plastic receptacle having a rear sidewall, the sidewall having formed therein a pair of ribs extending outwardly from the rear sidewall, and means for mounting the receptacle to an external vertical surface secured to the rear sidewall at a position between the pair of ribs, whereby the ribs contact the external vertical surface when the receptacle is secured thereto thereby enhancing the stability of the receptacle.
 2. The item holder of claim 1, wherein the means for mounting the receptacle comprises hook and loop material.
 3. The item holder of claim 1, wherein the means for mounting the receptacle comprises a magnet.
 4. The item holder of claim 1, wherein the molded plastic receptacle comprises an injection molded plastic receptacle.
 5. The item holder of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of ribs extends from a top portion of the rear sidewall to a bottom portion of the rear sidewall.
 6. A method for mounting an item holder for storing a number of office or household items to an external vertical surface, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a mounting apparatus between a pair of stabilizing ribs on a rear sidewall of the item holder, and mounting the item holder on the external vertical surface with the mounting apparatus such that the stabilizing ribs contact the external vertical surface so as to enhance the stability of the mounted item holder.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein: the mounting apparatus comprises a pair of complementary pieces of hook and loop material, the positioning step comprises adhesively securing one of the pair of complementary pieces of hook and loop material to the rear sidewall, and the mounting step comprises adhesively securing the other piece of the pair of complementary pieces of hook and loop material to the external vertical surface.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein: the mounting apparatus comprises a magnet, the positioning step comprises adhesively securing one side of the magnet to the rear sidewall, and the mounting step comprises magnetically securing the other side of the magnet to the external vertical surface.
 9. A mountable item holder for storing a number of office or household items, comprising: a molded plastic receptacle having a rear sidewall, the sidewall having formed therein a first standoff and a second standoff extending outwardly from the rear sidewall, and a mounting apparatus secured to the rear sidewall, the mounting apparatus being configured to removably mount the receptacle to an external vertical surface, wherein each of the first standoff, the second standoff, and the mounting apparatus contact the external vertical surface when the receptacle is secured thereto.
 10. The item holder of claim 9, wherein the mounting apparatus is positioned between the first standoff and the second standoff.
 11. The item holder of claim 9, wherein the mounting apparatus comprises hook and loop material.
 12. The item holder of claim 9, wherein the mounting apparatus comprises a magnet secured to the rear sidewall.
 13. The item holder of claim 9, wherein: the first standoff comprises a first stabilizing rib extending from a top portion of the rear sidewall to a bottom portion of the rear sidewall, and the second standoff comprises a second stabilizing rib extending from the top portion of the rear sidewall to the bottom portion of the rear sidewall. 